“The Daergons were blocking my power and Bhaal’s,” he answered. “I couldn’t do anything to them and neither could she.”
The other savants jerked eyes going wide in concern.
“Then what—?”
Bhaal grunted. “Mother’s boy-boy smart.” She made a murmuring rumble in her throat. “He bent their magic so my claws could reach.” She bared her fangs and growled. “That not work again. Gold ones too smart for that.”
“That’s four Daergons down though,” Quasar said. “Plus the four Eclipse and I took out, this has been expensive for them.”
“I don’t understand,” Bannor said. “What are they after? Marna? Since she’s hiding here, doesn’t that accomplish what they want?”
“They can stage a coup but it won’t stick,” Eclipse said. “There are so many loyal to her on Homeworld, that she would simply reform a new dasta in exile. They need to kill her, Dulcere, and Dominique—and all three are here.”
Dominique who was walking ahead of them next to Adwena shot them a fierce grin. “Let them try.”
Bannor felt a twist in his gut. “There must be more to it than that. Couldn’t they just destroy Titaan? I sensed the weapons on Homeworld that could do it.”
“Titaan is prized world,” Quasar said. “Family Techstar has holdings here, and it is the birth world of Cassandra.” She gestured to the gold mage. “The Kriar people owe her for breaking the Jyril curse, as a result, a great number of monitor portals watch this planet. They can’t mount that size of an operation without it being blocked and having the attempt traced back to them.”
The group came to the first turn, the three Kriar officers in the lead checked and covered and nodded everyone ahead.
Quasar sighed and cast her gaze toward Cassandra. “Destroying Titaan or killing Cassandra unprovoked would be political suicide for the Daergons. It would destroy any remnant of popular support. As it is, up until now, they’ve kept their collaboration with the Karanganoi Baronians secret. The fact that they openly backed the assault shows they’re getting desperate. They can’t keep us from circulating that information forever.”
“I can’t imagine how they think they can pull it off,” Sarai said. “I mean, we’ve almost doubled the number of Shael Dal. Now we have the ascendants and Gaea too.”
“The genemar is the source of their confidence,” Gaea said. “It is our boon and bane that they are apparently not proficient with it yet.”
“What do you mean, Mother?” Ziedra asked.
“I deliberately made Bhaal a threat,” Gaea said. “She is the reincarnation of something the Kriar very much hate, and I increased her powers so that they would have no choice but to fear her.”
The Lokori wiggled her eyebrows and rolled her shoulders and sniffed. She sucked on a taloned finger. “I am target.”
“Target?” Bannor wondered aloud. “Target for what?”
“Their genemar,” Gaea said. “I hoped to alarm them enough that they would bring it into the battle to use it on her. It would give me an opportunity to destroy their genemar.”
“You made Bhaal the bait?” he said feeling cold.
Gaea sighed and nodded. “She agreed.”
“Bhaal make good bait,” the Lokori said showing her fangs. “Protect Mother.”
“The strategy is well conceived,” Vanidaar said. “We may yet still force their hand. I am still weak, but recovering. Your tactic with Bhaal has given me an idea that may prod them into trying.”
Wren straightened, a concerned expression furrowing her brow. “Father?”
“Daughter, you have done your part,” the red-haired ascendant said in a voice that grew stronger. For an instant, a reddish glow flickered around his body. “It is my turn to step forward. Principles have kept me from using my Kul’vita Nola in certain ways. I think it is time to break with that restriction and give the enemy something new to worry them. We have fatigued and injured warriors—it is only fitting that the enemy give up their vitality to restore what they themselves took.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will,” he promised. “The Daergons and their allies seek to crush us in this press. Now, they will feel the sting of our return push.”
Return to Contents
* * *
Chapter Twenty-Two
To what extent should a man go to win a
war? Especially if losing the war means the
death of your wife, your children, and
everything you hold dear. Do those
circumstances justify destroying the souls of
the enemy so that they have no chance to
stand before their gods in judgment but are
instead consigned to non-existent oblivion
as if they never were…???
—Vanidaar Kergatha,
Baron of Cosmodarus
The remainder of the short walk back to the infirmary corridor was spent in silence. Bannor felt his heart beating and inside his bones seemed to quiver. The sounds of skirmishes echoed in the corridors, likely roving patrols of the new Malanian subnet engaging retreating enemy squads moving to regroup. The Baronians had backed off, but not far, they still lurked within the walls—able to strike again in moments. The powerful aliens were committed and once they decided on a plan of action they would come swarming down the corridors. He felt the tension in Sarai and the others. They sensed that this might be the battle that ended this bloody conflict—one way or another.
With the Kriar commanders in the lead, their group rounded the corner into the infirmary corridor. Giant sentinels stood watch there, ones Bannor did not expect. The Kriar weren’t prepared either and they shrank back, dropping the aim of their weapons.
Armor gleaming, eyes burning with white fire, eternal Koass stood in the corridor arms folded. Next to him stood massive blue-skinned Garn the eternal of strength, and Czar the eternal of magic. The sight of those powerful creatures made Bannor go icy inside. This did not bode well—if Koass was here, things had escalated to a terrible degree.
“Kay!” Megan flew out of the middle of their group and into the arms of the Advocate Eternal.
Eternal Koass reeled back a step under the force of the air maiden’s power hug. The stony expression on the immortal’s face softened and he pushed a hand through Megan’s glossy blonde hair.
The shael leader looked to Eternal Czar. “Milord, how did you recover so quickly?”
Dark Czar fingered his mustache, his shadowy eyes growing dim. “I had magicks prepared. They just wouldn’t work with Kul’Amaron out of phase. When Gaea restored normal time I recovered quickly. I was able to retrieve Loric with but a few moments work,” he gestured to the gray haired elder who nodded back. “That is how he is with us now.”
“I wondered how Loric went from out cold to thundering away,” Dominique murmured swaying out the group toward the eternals. “Hey Cuddly Bear.” She put her arms around Garn.
“Hey Babe,” Garn rumbled, dropping to one knee and enfolding the dark-haired woman in arms that could shatter mountains. She gripped him around the neck and kissed him.
Koass put an arm around Megan and faced them. “Friends, the Daergons have forced our hand,” he said in an ominous tone.
Gaea moved forward. “What has happened?”
“They have attacked the Protectorate with the genemar.”
“Kay?” Megan said in an astonished and concerned voice.
Bannor felt that twisting in his guts tighten. “I didn’t feel it.”
“It happened while Kul’Amaron was cut off,” the eternal said. “They tried on several of us. It was only Lady Gaea’s sacrifice stones,” he touched a chain similar to the one Bannor wore around his own neck. “And the defenses of Eternity’s heart that warded us. The Daergons have forgotten the truce.”
“They haven’t forgotten,” Quasar said from behind Gaea. “Dark take them. They want to incite a war again.”
“If dasta Fabrista cannot restrain the rogu
e elements of their regime,” Koass growled. “I will tear apart Homeworld until I find them.”
“Which is what they want,” Eclipse growled. “Does Marna know?”
“Nethra is telling her now,” the eternal responded. “I am here because I believe their next press will focus on this group.”
“Lord Koass,” Vanidaar said.
The Eternal looked over with glowing eyes.
“I believe I may be able to force our enemies to move to our design.”
Koass’ brow furrowed. “Oh?”
“Leave us get back to the infirmary,” the red-haired ascendant said. “We will want to be entrenched. I believe it will drive them at us.”
“Bring that on,” Garn rumbled. “I got some Daergon heads to crack.”
Koass glanced from Vanidaar to Wren. The blonde ascendant raised her chin. “All right,” he said after an instant of decision. “Let’s move.”
With the three eternals in the lead they went back up the corridor, the powerful beings checking down the side halls before crossing. Even these creatures acted cautious.
Bannor heard Ziedra mumbling something quiet to Wren and Euriel, and the mother and daughter nodding.
“This is not good,” Sarai murmured. “If the Eternals start going at it, Kul’Amaron could get leveled.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
They reached the heavily reinforced segment of corridor that contained the main infirmary. The location had three hallways to defend. Being virtually at the heart of Kul’Amaron, the walls were solid magically-reinforced granite more than a pace thick. When the Karanganoi sub-net installed Wysteri’s secret treatment chamber, the entire infirmary area was sheathed in Kriar metals and further reinforced with artifice protections. Aside from the ghost vaults, no place in the citadel had heavier defenses.
“Lord Koass,” Bannor asked as they moved through the line of defending valkyries, Kriar, and members of the subnet. “Do you think the enemies know the eternals are here?”
Garn made a growling sound. “We hope not.”
The hall and intersection immediate to the infirmary were choked with bodies. Marna along with Nethra, Tal, Terra, and the rest of the T’Evagduran family were standing together in a circle looking unhappy and uncomfortable. No doubt King Jhaan felt as Sarai did, that if the powerful immortals decided to unleash their full strength it would destroy Kul’Amaron.
King T’Evagduran stepped forward and bowed to Koass. “Lord, I don’t want to sound petty, but this is my kingdom and it has been a hard enough to keep this conflict secret.”
Koass waved a hand. “I understand your concern. We will try to keep things under control.” He turned back to Vanidaar. “Lord Kergatha believes he has a tactic to bring the enemy to us.”
“I do,” the ascendant answered, narrowing his white glowing eyes. “Before I had this body it would not have been possible, but now…” His voice trailed off. He let out a breath. “It is less than palatable, but the situation now demands it.”
“Father?” Wren said, edging up and putting a hand on his shoulder and searching his face with blue glowing eyes. “Why are you being so vague.”
“Daughter, spirit magic is never to be taken lightly. Taking the life from others is—” He frowned. “Less than honorable.”
“Killing the enemy is killing the enemy,” Garn said in his deep voice as he loomed over them.
“Not like this,” Vanidaar said. “Still, I have resolved to do it, and so we shall. Prepare your defenses as they will come at us. Also bring the injured into the infirmary, I will perform the ritual in there.”
Bannor’s stomach tightened. He glanced at Sarai who was frowning. It sounded like Baron Kergatha was prepared to do something he really didn’t want to do.
Vanidaar looked to his daughter. “Li, I would like you and Lady Damay to provide me with energy.”
Wren’s eyes went wide. “Both of us? You could burn Malan to the ground with that much power.”
“I understand what I am asking,” he said in a serious voice. “It is as much for renewing myself, as it is for the defenses that you two can create. As I said, once I start this, considerable effort will be expended to make me stop.”
Wren glanced to Damay. The elder woman narrowed her white glowing eyes. “Trust your father,” she determined. “I believe I understand what he is at.”
“Bannor,” Vanidaar said. “Your assistance would be most beneficial. Can you combine our three abilities as you did in that first battle?”
Bannor felt his jaw drop. He blinked. “Uh, yes, but… as ascendants? I—” He blew out his cheeks. “That’s… a lot of magic.”
The man nodded. “Indeed. So, are covens of fifty Baronian elders. That is what we are fighting. Come, we must prepare quickly.”
“Czar,” Koass said. “I understand what tactic he will use now. Guard them, do not let the Baronian covens disrupt them.” Rubbing his hands together, the willowy mage eternal moved to stand next to Bannor. “Lady Ziedra,” Koass continued. “If you would assist Czar.” Glowing eyes wide, the ascendant of magic nodded. The advocate turned to the others. “Nethra barricade the West hall. Garn, you take the East. I will cover the North.” He turned to Gaea. “Mother, I believe you will wish to put your strength to the East. I believe that is where the major press will come.” He focused on Marna. “I advise dividing the Kriar and valkyries evenly across the three fronts.” He turned to Loric and King T’Evagduran. “I will leave the defense of our core to house T’Evagduran and house Felspar and their allies.”
Loric and T’Evagduran nodded.
The eternal bowed his head. “My blessings on all the defenders, may you stay strong in the face of what may come.”
Everyone, including the eternals all bowed their heads in unison for a few instants. When each raised their face to look around, eyes were narrowed and glinting with determination. With the eternals here, they would never have a better chance at victory. Whatever the Daergons and Baronians sent forth they must not only best it, but they would also have to pursue and finish the job to bring an end to the strife.
Bannor walked behind the Kergatha family as they headed into the infirmary. Cassandra and Desiray moved through the younger Felspars, touching faces, chests, and shoulders. Until this moment, Bannor hadn’t noticed how young some of combatants from Loric’s family were. Several were only children. Obviously, the youngest had been kept out of harm’s way but he saw a pair of twin boys who couldn’t be more than twelve or thirteen summers old, already dressed in armor and wearing weapons. The sight made his stomach tighten.
Bannor had been about the same age as those young boys when King Balhadd’s press gang dragged he and his brother off to be in the war. For the Felspar children, the big difference was that their parents were here in the fight with them. The way they saluted their father Loric and adjusted their weapons, they were well trained and briefed for the tasks they’d been given. Bannor noticed Wren looking at the children with a strange expression. He guessed she was probably thinking the same thing. What the cost of failure would be. What was Loric thinking in bringing his entire clan into this mess?
He didn’t know which was worse, risking the lives of their children, or sending them away and possibly leaving those same children without parents. Seeing how the Daergons had gone after the T’Evagdurans he understood why Loric chose to keep his entire family close where they could protect one another.
Vanidaar looked around at the injured folk lying on the tables, some of the wounds were serious, but Octavia, Mercedes, Wysteri and their assistants among the Felspars worked with calm efficiency. Bannor noticed that Vera was here among those helping out. The little woman came and put a hand on Wren’s shoulder, greeting Loric and his wives as they entered and began briefing everyone in the chamber.
“Loric,” Vanidaar said. “I think you should send the youngest into Wysteri’s inner treatment area.”
The gray-haired elder nodded. He gestured
to Cassandra, Dorian, and Desiray and the three women gathered up a half dozen youngsters and took them into the heavily guarded Kriar healing vestibule.
“Octavia,” Vanidaar continued. “Will you Mercedes and Wysteri please stand by, I have some magic that will help heal your patients. I may also require your assistance soon.” He glanced back to his daughter and Lady Damay who had come up behind Bannor.
Eternal Czar and Ziedra pushed to the back of the room. The eternal leaned down and spoke in whispers to the ascendant of magic and the two of them began casting spells. With the eternal’s guidance, the powerful ascendant’s spells, already potent, seemed to be ten times as strong.
He felt Sarai give him a hug from behind. “I love you, my One.”
Bannor pressed her hand. “I love you too.” He stared at Vanidaar. “I sense this may really stir things up. Please be careful.”
She pulled tight. “I will, you do the same.”
“I shall.”
Damay and Wren situated themselves on either side of Vanidaar and the three ascendants joined hands. He turned and gave Sarai a kiss and stepped over to Wren and Damay.
“I’m going to do this slow,” he told them. “Ascendants are a little different than savants.”
“Thank you for being cautious,” Damay said, brushing at her dark hair and drawing a breath.
“Ready when you are Bannor,” Wren said.
“Okay, here we go,” he warned.
He touched Wren’s shoulder and envisioned his pattern and hers, meshing them closer and closer together. Two low musical pitches rang in his head, the tones coming closer and closer to matching. He touched Damay and found her pattern, drawing it in with his and Wren’s. In his mind began a dance of traceries, threads of power and magic, meshing, joining, and growing as he pushed the energy of his nola into each woman, making his abilities theirs, joining and combining their strengths into a single cohesive whole.
Reality's Plaything 5: The Infinity Annihilator Page 35